Women couldn't give a monkey's about digital television

WOMEN COULDN'T GIVE A MONKEY'S ABOUT DIGITAL TELEVISION · 45 per cent of women are turned off by dTV Despite the crisis at ITVDigital men remain turned on by digital television but women couldn't give a monkey's. Research carried out by uSwitch, the comparison service, reveals that nearly half of women (45%) are uninterested in digital television and more than a third (43%) remain in the dark about which providers to contact. Typical of lad culture, over half of the men (57%) questioned would trust their friends' advice with just over a third seeking impartial advice. But women are far more clued up and 41% would opt for independent advice before committing to a specific deal. Whilst women need to wake up to digital television, men need to tune in to impartial advice. Jon Miller, uSwitch Head of Product Development, said: "We all know that boys love their toys, and it's good to note that the rocky situation with ITVDigital has not put them off, but women really do need to turn on and tune in to digital television or face being left behind. Government plans for complete analogue switch off by 2010 could leave women in the dark if they don't act now and get up to speed on the packages available. "The fact that a high percentage of women (43%) were unable to name a provider should be enough to prompt the Government to embark on a nationwide educational drive. At uSwitch we do all the research for consumers and can provide up to date advice on the best provider for any given area. " More... He added: "Sporting events are a major pull factor for men, especially dedicated football fans, but digital television provides men - and women - with the chance to have a greater range of TV channels, and the versatility of interactive TV at the touch of a button." uSwitch provides independent and impartial advice to consumers about which TV package suits their needs. By simply entering the postcode into the uSwitch calculator or calling the freephone number (0800 093 06 07) consumers can assess the options available to them and make an informed choice. uSwitch also provide an in depth 'question and answer' section on the website. For more information visit uSwitch.com or call 0800 093 06 07 For further information contact: · Lorraine Fullbrook, uSwitch on 020 7802 2929 or lorraine.fullbrook@uswitch.com · Jon Miller, uSwitch on 020 7802 2929 or jon.miller@uswitch.com · Beverley Aujla, Lansons Communications on 020 7294 3683 or beverleya@lansons.com · Lisa Ashley, Lansons Communications on 020 7294 3698 or LisaA@lansons.com · NOTES TO EDITORS Research was carried out by NOP Worldwide between 5-7 April 2002. 1000 consumers were interviewed. Service summary uSwitch is a free Internet service which gives consumers access to the best deal on home services such as gas, electricity, home and mobile telephony. Using a unique 'calculator' to evaluate a number of factors, including price, service, location, payment method of package, it advises consumers on the most suitable supplier for their individual needs. If they choose to, customers can then switch to the alternative supplier while online. The service is also available via telephone, fax and postal service. Consumers simply call 0800 093 06 07, fax 020 7233 5933 or write to Customer Services, uSwitch, Victoria Station House, 191 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 5NE, with their postcode and usage details. uSwitch is the first service to compare offerings from a complete range of suppliers. uSwitch is not a supplier, and, as such, it acts as an independent advisor, giving consumers an impartial view of what's on offer and making it easier for them to choose the most appropriate deal. The service is based on the most up-to-date published information from suppliers and regulators. For energy comparison, uSwitch has developed its own service standards league tables for suppliers based on official performance statistics. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/04/17/20020417BIT00770/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2002/04/17/20020417BIT00770/wkr0002.pdf